Puppy look-alike

All I Need is a Moment
Originally uploaded by Abby Lanes (has Spring Fever)

This puppy looks very much like my little maltese X poodle puppy, when he is clean and has let me brush him. They are the most loving little dogs, seemingly part human, and intuitive.

When we are getting ready to go out for the day, he notices our different routine, watches us constantly, follows us around and then sits there looking pathetic and sad. If we get his little bed with the sheepskin rug in it he gets all excited and wags his tail as he knows this means he is coming too!!

He loves his walks and as soon as his lead is in sight he jumps around and wimpers and is generally a nuisance until we get going. He is a great little companion and we love him to bits.

Library signs

I have just been exploring Flickr on the web and went into a number of the suggested subject sites to get a feel for the sort of photos posted on Flickr. I went into 'library signs'. I was amused by some, and when looking at signs objectively, realised how easy it is to say something different to what the intention of the sign is. I liked the one from the Christchurch City Libraries saying 'Watch your Bags - Thieves at Work'!! Not a nice way to describe library workers!! I will put this as a link on my blog when I can work out how to get it there.

It got me thinking about signs generally and the way that people interpret signs. Some people are very literal in their interpretation; others see signs as being applicable to other people and not themselves eg 'please queue here'; others get defensive when a sign is pointed out to them because it says something they don't want to hear; and others just plain don't see them.

Me? - I like signs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jblyberg/2057934280/

Life's Balances

I am in the fortunate position of working on a casual basis in a library, and owning and working in a small plant nursery - and yes, we grow camellias. Sometimes I spend more time in a week working in the library and at others the nursery dominates my time.



There's nothing quite like getting up early on a spring morning and walking out into the freshness of the day and wandering through the rows of plants with the morning dew on them, seeing the new growth happening - different tones for different varieties - and wondering at the miracle of nature.



Then there are those days where there is just nothing for it but to get stuck into the weeding on the plant pads, full sun blazing and heat seeming to penetrate your very brain. Sunscreen, hats, protective clothing and lots of water just don't seem to have much impact.



A phone call will then see me head off to one of the library branches to do my shift amid the staff, customers, books, computers and general hub-bub which is the make-up of any library - not to mention the 'air conditioning'. The general atmosphere, the quiet, and sometimes the noise of a happy or upset child, all make up a wonderful environment which I love.



This is one of life's balances.